When a stranger yell "high five", what would be reactions of Busan people?

Interview / Surprises and happiness for the development!

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Interview

Surprises and happiness for the development!

“Beautiful Busan is my second home town,” said David S. Bartell Commander, United States Navy Commanding Officer of Military Sealift Command Korea Pier 8 Commander, MSCO Korea with a smile.

He came to Busan in 2010 from Washington and although his stay in Busan was for only two years, he emphasized that he would not be able to forget the beauty of Busan. Especially compared to other countries, such as Japan, Singapore and Philippines he said “There is no place as friendly as Korea.” He said that Haeundae, his current residence, “is similar to Waikiki Beach of America” and added that he was very surprised at the beauty and development of Korea. He said he visits a Maple gym, a taekwondo gym in Marine City every day to experience and understand Korea. “I was able to learn and understand lot of Korean culture through Taekwondo and I was able to understand Korea.” He smiled saying that he recently received a black belt. He said he was especially impressed at how many Koreans were learning Taekwondo in English and these people were studying English while learning Taekwondo. “I received a good impression of progressive young Koreans trying to stretch out to the world.”

Commander Bartell said although it is very lonesome and hard to live in a different country separate from his family, it was also a good opportunity to develop personally and learn about the unfamiliar culture. He pointed out Busan as an “international city” at once. He said he was astonished at the continuous development of the city and its friendliness. He has also had a chance to see the famous Busan baseball team. He even has cheering paraphernalia of the Lotte Giants in his office. He said he was surprised and interested in the cheering culture of the Lotte Giants, which is quite different from that in American baseball culture.

He said, “Professional soldiering is good. Most of all, it is meaningful to travel parts of the world. Also I am very proud to be working for the world peace, for my family and especially for Korea.”